July 2026
Cascadia welcomes Board Member Emily Williams
New member brings consumer perspective
When Emily Williams joined Cascadia Health’s Board of Directors in 2025, she brought a vital and deeply personal perspective to the leadership team: the voice of a consumer.
As the first in her family to attend college, Emily’s path was shaped by early adversity. Growing up without regular access to healthcare, she experienced displacement, housing insecurity, and homelessness, while witnessing the toll of addiction in loved ones. These experiences now fuel her mission on the Board, where she advocates fiercely for access to wrap-around health services.
Emily first connected with Cascadia through the Urgent Walk-In Clinic. From that very first visit, she felt an overwhelming sense of care and support. She was soon connected to regular mental health services and primary care. Reflecting on her journey, Emily notes that her clinical team always takes the time to truly see her, share resources, provide essential referrals, and listen thoughtfully. “It was all love and support,” she recalls.
Emily’s experience navigating complex healthcare systems helps her understand exactly how Cascadia can bridge the service gap for others. Her commitment to giving back runs deep; Emily has a long history of local civic involvement, from student government at Portland State University and volunteering at community libraries, to working for former Multnomah County Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and State Senator Rob Wagner. She has also served as a family ambassador in the David Douglas School District. Joining Cascadia’s Board felt like the perfect next step to deepen her community impact.
Outside of her advocacy work, Emily is a creative spirit – she is an avid reader and writer and is currently learning Korean. By sharing her journey, she hopes to break down stigmas and highlight the profound importance of healthcare access.
As Emily puts it: “I feel seen and understood here at Cascadia. Everyone says hello and treats me like they’re happy I’m here. I’ve never found another place of people that care like this.”